Persona 5 x persona 4

chapter 51

Yu blinked a few times as he stepped out into the red-hued landscape that was now Tokyo. This was his first time seeing it and it was quite a bit to take in. He had heard the others talk about it, despite that he had not been prepared for the level of Hell he now stepped into. The red tint to the atmosphere and the bony protrusions that infested the world were disturbing no doubt, but the lack of reaction of the people around them as they continued on their way through the city was by far the most disturbing aspect.

"Yu, here." Rise handed him a katana. "Since you have Izanagi back, I figured you'd prefer your weapon back as well."

Yu reached out taking the katana. As someone who used a lot of swords, the weight of this katana made it feel like this was a weapon of quality. The glorious silver metal of the blade sparked against the red hues of the world. It was only as Yu unsheathed it did he see the Kirijo group stamp upon the blade just under the hilt. This was one of the Shadow Operative blades, a weapon designed specifically for use against Shadows. Hopefully, it was just as effective against gods.

"Thanks." Yu sheathed the sword.

"I'll return to my role as navigator, but while I had Izanagi I fought on the front line. I always wondered what it was like up there. That tournament doesn't count," Rise shifted on the balls of her heels. "But I'd rather have you back than have all that power."

"I always feel safer when I know you are watching everyone's back." Yu smiled at her, the kind of smile that expressed his affection for his favorite woman.

"Whoa, Mona! Do you realize you're glowing?" Oracle called loudly.

Oracle's comment was quickly drawing his attention back to the group. He had been focused on Rise and didn't hear what the teenagers and the others were saying. Yu glanced towards Mona who was indeed enveloped with a rich white glow. He stood out against the depravity of this current world, like a shining star against an uncertain future.

"It's probably because my memories have returned. I know what my duty is now." Mona informed the group with a small feline smile.

A ring tone cut through the air. Yu recognized it as Naoto's, it had a distinct flat tone that was both obnoxious and attention-grabbing. Yu had commented on it more than once in the past about its obnoxious nature, to which Naoto always informed him that she had no need for flowery ring tones and its obnoxiousness only spurred her to answer it faster. After pulling her phone from her pocket, Naoto quickly answered.

"Shirogane here." Her tone professional, curt, and a bit masculine.

Around them, people began to comment about a bright light shining and about the eccentric outfits of the Phantom Thieves as well as Aigis' unique appearance. Clearly, people were starting to wake up to something strange happening around them, but it was already too late. The world was engulfed in this madness. Yu ignored all that and was focused on his partner's call. Her face suddenly seemed to register a hint of surprise as she pulled the phone from her ear.

"Mitsuru-san I'm putting you on speaker," Naoto announced to draw the attention of the other Shadow Operatives.

"Good. I take it Aigis and Ken are with you." Mitsuru's voice echoed from Naoto's phone. "It took me a while to reach you all."

"Mitsuru-san, am I to assume you see the current state of the world?" Aigis asked as she took a step closer to Naoto.

"Correct. I'm in England at the moment and people are just carrying on as if nothing has happened. Do any of you know what's going on?" Mitsuru asked.

"Ruin. A God that named itself the Holy Grail has cast humanity into its vision of order." Aigis explained clearly. "But do not worry Mitsuru-san, we are planning on ending this false God's reign."